by Kawase Hasui
This work depicts Konjiki Hall at Hiraizumi by Kawase Hasui, showing a snow-covered stone stairway leading to the sacred hall, framed by tall pines heavy with winter snow. Executed in the Shin-hanga style, the woodblock print combines traditional carving and printing techniques with subtle gradations of color and atmosphere, guiding the viewer’s eye upward through the quiet composition toward the temple structure.
Konjiki Hall is part of Chūson-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an important center of Buddhist culture in northern Japan. Hasui’s winter portrayal emphasizes stillness, reverence, and spiritual reflection, with the solitary figure ascending the steps reinforcing themes of pilgrimage and contemplation. Snow softens the architectural forms and landscape, underscoring the Buddhist notion of impermanence and the passage of time.
This is a faithful reproduction as a giclée print, printed on museum-grade, archival fine art paper for lasting vibrancy and detail.
























